Since first opening our doors in 1873, we've served all Chicagoans with free and open places to gather, learn, connect, read and be transformed. Join us in celebrating 150 years of serving our communities.
Follow the fun: #CPL150
Join the Celebration
Join the citywide birthday party! View events happening at every location on June 10:
CPL 150 Events
Faces of CPL
See the faces of Chicago Public Library who helped to shape our story and live our mission.
News at CPL
New at CPL
Introducing Chicago Poet Laureate: avery r. young
young will serve a two-year term working on new poems and public programs, serving as an ambassador for literary and creative communities.
New at CPL
CPL 150 Parties and More: Celebrate Chicago Culture with CPL
Join Culture in My Neighborhood events and 150th anniversary celebrations around the city.
New at CPL
ChiTeen Stories: Photo Challenge For Teens
Calling all teens: celebrate CPL's 150th anniversary with us! Learn how to participate in the ChiTeen Stories Photo Challenge this summer.
New at CPL
Join the Inaugural One Poem, One Chicago
Join One Poem, Once Chicago for an opportunity to engage in poetry and a sense of community through reading!
CPL Through the Years
Stories We Tell: The History of the Mayfair Branch Exhibit
Stories We Tell: The History of the Chicago Bee Branch Exhibit
Stories We Tell: The History of the Clearing Branch Exhibit
Stories We Tell: Branch Exhibits
Explore the exhibit series celebrating 150 years of Chicago Public Library at branches around the system. Learn more.
150 Books We Love
Blog
LEARN ABOUT THE CPL 150 LOGO
Chinatown Branch: This branch is one of the first CPL modern branches, encapsulating the spirit of the community. It shows how every branch is an integral part of the Chicago communities.
CTA map with library location pins: This is inspired by the tagline, "In Every Neighborhood. For Every Chicagoan." The goal is to showcase the breadth of CPL branches, being in 81 locations across 77 community areas.
Open book: At the heart of the library is a book.
Bookmobile: Symbolizes that the library extends beyond the four walls of the library. Librarians reach out to communities, engaging them and inviting them to visit the library or as in the case of laundromat story times, bring the library to the neighborhoods.
YOUmedia film strip: Highlights CPL as the library of the future and also showcases the different modes of learning at the library.
Iconic Chicago: Skyline, Chicago Fire and Water Tower: elements that call to the history of the city and the library institution.
Digital revolution: Highlights how CPL bridges the digital divide and is the hub for digital access and equity.
Blackstone branch: Blackstone branch was CPL’s first purpose-built branch, opening in 1904. It’s named for Timothy Beach Blackstone, the first president of the Union Stockyards and Transit Company.
Owl mascot: Parallels newer owl iterations that patrons have associated with CPL.
Music: Representative of YOUmedia activities at CPL. In 2009, YOUmedia became the first space devoted to high school teens at CPL.
Owl sculpture: Parallels the Harold Washington Library Center sculpture design. Five owl sculptures look down from the top of the building.
Chicago Star: Parallels the city logo.CPL 150 Store
Shop the CPL 150 Store, with a portion of every sale going to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
Thanks to the following organizations for supporting CPL 150:
